When we signed our 3-year-old up for soccer camp a few months ago, we did so for 8 reasons, one to build her social skills.

At just 3 years old, soccer camp was more about socialization and less about soccer skills and team structure. The camp lasted 5 days, one hour per day. Her “camp” consisted of one coach and 3 other toddlers, ready to run around, burn off some energy, and have fun.

It was lax, not regimented like I recall basketball camp when I was 8 years old. The coach was kind, the snack breaks were frequent, and the kids were balls of energy.

My husband carted her to camp that week and, having been a state champion in soccer as a kid himself, found it to be too lax. He and I were both hoping it would be more structured, helping her prepare for her fall soccer season next month.

The good news was it introduced her to basic soccer skills – how to kick, dribble and the number one rule of soccer – don’t use your hands! She enjoyed her week with her newly make friends and is excited to join a team in the fall.